Olympian Linas Banys has died. He was 27. The news of Banys’ death was announced on Friday, March 20. A cause of death was not immediately available.
Remembering Olympian Linas Banys
Banys was a Lithuanian biathlon star who competed in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. His passing was announced in a heartfelt statement on Instagram by the Lithuanian Biathlon Federation, whose translated message reads, “The tragic news shocked the Lithuanian biathlon family: just 27-year-old biathlonist Linas Banys died.”
The statement continues, “Linas represented Lithuania in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, three World Championships, World Cup competitions, and during his career he also won the title of national champion. The Anykščiai resident ended his career as a biathlete in 2024. Our sympathies to the family, relatives and the entire biathlon community.”
It was also announced that the funeral for Banys was held yesterday, Saturday, March 21.
Tributes for Olympian Linas Banys Pour In
The comment section of the post has been filled with condolences. “Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and Lithuanian biathlon,” a comment reads. “Rest in Peace My thoughts for Lithuanian Team,” another person shared.
Other reactions include, “One of the kindest down to earth people I had the privilege to race against. He never failed to say hello when our paths crossed. My thoughts are with you Linas,” “Our condolences to the family,” and “That’s a shock Rest in Peace, Linas!” The comments are also filled with heart emojis and simple statements about resting in peace. It is clear that many are left heartbroken by Banys’ passing.
GettyThe Biatholon 4 Fun Instagram account also shared the news of Banys’ death and reflected on his incredible but short career as a professional athlete. “Unfortunately, we received tragic news yesterday. Lithuanian biathlete Linas Banys has passed away at the age of 27. He made his World Cup debut in 2019 and had a total of 49 starts,” the message reads. The statement is accompanied by a black-and-white photo of the young star taken during a biathlon.
The message continues, “Banys also started at the 2022 Winter Olympics before retiring in 2024 at the age of 25. His death was confirmed by his brother Vladas, though the cause of death remains unclear. Rest in peace, Linas.”
“May he rest in peace,” a fan shared. “Again someone passes away at the age of 27,” another emotional fan wrote.
Biathlon is an incredibly difficult sport. Going from the heart pounding force of cross-country skiing to the pure calm of small-bore rifle shooting. Makes me wonder if it was his heart and if it was mesocardiac related to taking a certain vaccine? Sad news indeed.
One can’t help but wonder about the young male athletes who are dying prematurely. Very sad. Condolences to all who knew him.